The Augrabies Falls National Park comprises a 9415 hectare area of cliffs and gorges, riverine acacia thicket, and very arid rocky scrubland. The park is covered by a number of good roads and hiking trails, and also features a hutted camp, camping ground, shop, and restaurant.

Birding

1. The camp area is a good place to start birding, with Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Acacia Pied Barbet, Ashy Tit, African Red-eyed Bulbul, Namaqua Warbler, Black-chested Prinia, Pririt Batis, Pale-winged Starling, Dusky Sunbird, Red-billed Firefinch and the beautiful Orange River White-eye, all occurring in the acacia bush and riverine vegetation. Rosy-faced Lovebird is sometimes be seen, but not guaranteed.

2. The gorge just below the camp, in which the Orange River forms the actual Augrabies Falls, supports breeding Verreaux’s Eagle and Peregrine Falcon and occasionally Black Stork, as well as huge mixed flocks of aerial feeders such as Alpine Swift, African Black Swift, Brown-throated Martin and Rock Martin.

3. Cinnamon-breasted Warbler, Short-toed Rock-Thrush and Mountain Wheatear occur on the rocky koppies found on the drives. A good spot to try for Cinnamon-breasted Warbler is Echo Corner in the early mornings.

4. Other typical Karoo species occurring in the open arid country away from the river include Ludwig's Bustard, Double-banded Courser, Stark's Lark, Spike-heeled Lark, Karoo Long-billed Lark, Grey-backed Sparrowlark, Rufous-eared Warbler, Chat Flycatcher and Black-eared Sparrowlark in some years.

General

A 39km road leads directly from Kakamas (88km west of Upington on the N8) to the park entrance. From Kakamas drive north-west through the villages of Alheit, Marchard and Augrabies to reach the park. Good birding can also be had along this road.